THE RAILWAY MUSEUM, located in Saitama City, is a popular spot that can be thoroughly enjoyed by anyone who has ever taken a train. The museum is divided into 5 “stations” (exhibition rooms), themed after train carriages, science, work, history, and the future, telling a rich story of people and railways from multiple perspectives.
The largest of the exhibition rooms, the “Train Carriage Station,” has 36 actual train carriages lined up on display! From steam locomotives to electric locomotives and Shinkansen trains, the stories of each train carriage and their liveliness when they were in operation can be experienced through sounds, lights, photos, and more. Another huge point of appeal is the available experiences – visitors can try driving a miniature train, or enjoy driving simulators for steam locomotives and Shinkansen trains.
There are also plenty of “railway gourmet” options to choose from where you can take in the atmosphere of travel, including “Train Restaurant Nihon Shokudo,” where you can enjoy dining car dishes, as well as places selling “ekiben” bento boxes. Their most popular ekiben, packed in Teppaku original and Shinkansen containers, are quickly sold out, so be sure to get there early if you want one!
Highlights
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As many as 36 real train carriages are on display at the “Train Carriage Station.”
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Experience driving a railway vehicle and various jobs related to railroads.
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The largest railway diorama in Japan is on display.
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Museum-exclusive original goods are available for purchase at the museum shop “TRAINIART.”
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Enjoy “ekiben” food culture born from the Japanese railway system.